Ice creeper



May 6; 1930. J. E. OS-TRANDER ,9

1cm GREEPER Filed June 8, 1929 Patented May 6, 1930 JOHN E. OSTRANDER, 0F GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT ICE CREEPER Application filed June 8, 1929.

This invention relates to an ice creeper and has relation more particularly to a device of this kind especially designed and adapted,

for use in connection with the heel portion 5.; of footwear, and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this character which is adaptable to mostany kind of footwear, such as rubber boots, felt boots, hunting boots, arctics and the like, and wherein by reason of its particular shape and construction it will stay in place and not work off of the heel.

Another object of the invention is to pro vide a device of this kind which is self-adjusting to most any size or style of footwear substantially instantly and automatically.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved ice creeper whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a creeper constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention and in applied position, associated footwear being indicated by broken lines;

Figure 2 is a view in top plan of the device as herein disclosed unapplied, a second position of certain of the parts being indicated by broken lines;

Figure 3 is a view in front elevation of the device as illustrated in Figure 2.

As herein disclosed, my improved creeper comprises two elongated and relatively nar- 1; row plates 1 having their inner end portions lapping and pivotally connected, as at 2, for relative swinging movement. The pivotal connection 2, as herein disclosed, comprises an elongated penetrating member or calk.

The plates 1 are of substantially the same Serial No. 369,427.

by the upstanding side arms 3, the lines of juncture 4 between the plates 1 and arms 3 being on such angles with respect to the longitudinal axes of the plates 1 to bring the inner faces of the arms 3 in opposed relation.

The plates 1 adjacent their outer ends, or in close proximity to the upstanding arms 3, are provided with the depending penetrating members or calks 5. The calks 5 carried by each plate 1 are spaced transversely thereof and in a direction substantially parallel to the adjacent line 4 of juncture.

In practice, the plates 1 are adapted to underlie a heel of a boot or shoe and the arms 3 arranged at the upper sides of the footwear closely adjacent to the forward end of the heel proper. The pivotal connection between the plates 1 permits the arms 3 to readily have for footwear of different sizes.

Secured, as at 6, to the upper rear portions of the arms 3are the extremities of an enlongated fiexible spring strip 7 preferably of steel. This strip 7 when applied constitutes a forwardly disposed and substantially U-shaped member adapted to snugly straddle the heel portion of the footwear from the rear. The forward upper portions of the arms 3-are returned to provide barrels with which are operatively engaged the relatively large loop members or links 8 through which is directed an elongated strap 9. This strap 9, when the creeper is applied, is adapted to be engaged over the instep of the footwear with its free end portions connected in any conventional manner.

By properly tightening the strap 9 the device will be caused to properly adjust itself to the heel portion of the footwear to which it is applied, thus assuring the device being elfectively held in desired working position and in a manner whereby it will not work off but stay in place.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that an ice creeper con structed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and'facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification Without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not Wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim 1. An ice creeper of the class described comprising calk carrying plates, an end portion of one plate being pivotally connected with the end portion of the second plate, up.- standing side arms carried by the opposite end portions of the plates, a substantially U-shaped member having its extremities secured to the upper portions of the arms, said U-shaped member being disposed rearwardly with respect to the arms, and retaining means coacting with the arms.

2. An ice creeper of the class described comprising call: carrying plates, an end portion of one plate being pivotally connected with the end portion of the second plate, upstanding side arms carried by the opposite end portions of the plates, a substantially U- shaped member having its extremities secured to the upper portions of the arms, said U-shaped member being disposed rearwardly with respect to the arms, and retaining means coacting With the arms, said U-shaped member being resilient.

3. An ice creeper of the class described comprising calk carrying plates, an end portion of one plate being pivotally connected with the end portion of the second plate, upstanding side arms carried by the opposite end portions of the plates, a substantially U-shaped member having its extremities secured to the upper portions of the arms, said U-shaped member being disposed rearwardly with respect to the arms, loops carried by the upper forward portions of the arms, and a flexible retaining member threaded through said loops and adapted to be fastened over the instep of the wearer.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

JOHN E. OSTRANDER. 

